Cystitis glandularis: benign or malignant?

Incidence of adenocarcinoma bladder in patients with cystitis cystica et glandularis: A retrospective study

Introduction:

Cystitis cystica et glandularis (CCG) is a hyper proliferative condition, likely representing a local immune response to chronic inflammatory stimulus. It has been hypothesized as a potential precursor of adenocarcinoma; however, a definite association has not been demonstrated. We aimed to determine whether CCG is a precursor to malignancy and to study the correlation of its two histological variants: the typical and the intestinal metaplasia (IM) type CCG.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective study, all the cases of CCG diagnosed and treated between January 2012 and December 2019 were analyzed. All the cases were followed up cystoscopically and biopsies were taken if the lesion persisted. The development of adenocarcinoma during the follow-up was noted. The patients were divided into two groups based on the histological subtype, i.e., the typical type and the IM type, and the two groups were also compared in terms of presentation, cystoscopic appearance, and development of adenocarcinoma.

Results:

A total of 64 patients, with 52 in the typical and 12 in the IM group were analyzed. The commonest symptom was hematuria (59.38%), followed by irritative bladder symptoms (51.56%). The median follow-up period was 5 years and 5 months (range: 7–96 months) and no patient progressed to adenocarcinoma. On comparing the two groups, the lesions weresignificantly more extensive in the IM group (50% vs. 15.38%). However, there were no differences in the symptoms or the development of malignancy between the two groups.

Conclusions:

At a median of 5 years and 5 months of follow up, CCG (including the IM-type) did not show any increase in the risk of malignancy.

Quantitative Analysis of Enhanced Computed Tomography in Differentiating Cystitis Glandularis and Bladder Cancer

Objective

This study was performed to assess the value of quantitative analysis of enhanced computed tomography (CT) values in the differential diagnosis of bladder cancer and cystitis glandularis (CG).

Methods

Eighty patients with bladder masses (39 with CG and 41 with bladder cancer) who underwent enhanced CT were retrospectively reviewed. The CT enhancement values of the lesion and normal bladder wall in the arterial phase, venous phase, and delayed phase were measured. The relative enhancement CT values (relative enhancement CT value = enhancement CT value of lesion - enhancement CT value of normal bladder) in the arterial phase, venous phase, and delayed phase were also calculated. The pathological results were used as the gold standard, and the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for the six groups of quantitative indicators (enhanced CT values and relative enhanced CT values of CG and bladder cancer in the arterial, venous, and delayed phases). We performed the leave-group-out cross-validation method to validate the accuracy, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. The differences in accuracy, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity among the six groups of quantitative indicators were compared by the t-test.

Results

In a combined analysis of the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity performance, the best indicator was the arterial-phase relative enhancement CT value with a cut-off of 25.85 HU (AUC, 0.966; sensitivity, 95.1%; specificity, 92.3%). We used the 100-times leave-group-out cross-validation method to validate the accuracy, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. Arterial-phase relative enhancement CT values showed the highest AUC and accuracy among the six groups, with statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Quantitative analysis of enhanced CT is of great clinical value in the differential diagnosis of CG and bladder cancer.

Intestinal metaplasia of the bladder in 89 patients: a study with emphasis on long-term outcome

Background

Intestinal metaplasia of the bladder is an uncommon glandular proliferation. We examined a large series of intestinal metaplasia for the clinicopathological features and discuss the significance of this lesion.

Methods

All cases of intestinal metaplasia diagnosed in our institution between 1990 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a history of urothelial carcinoma or concurrent adenocarcinoma were excluded. Patient characteristics, pathological features, and follow-up outcomes were obtained.

Results

We identified 89 patients with intestinal metaplasia during this period. Sixty seven were men and 22 were women. Mean age at diagnosis was 57 years (range 23–81). Common presenting complaints included haematuria (73 cases), mucosuria (13 cases), and irritative voiding symptoms (seven cases). The majority of intestinal metaplasias located on or near the trigone (67 cases). Eighty-two patients underwent transurethral resection of their lesions. Partial cystectomy was performed in the remaining seven patients. The mean follow-up of 78 patients was 105 months (range 6–255). One case of bladder adenocarcinoma was indentified 6 months later. The initial histologic findings had revealed intestinal metaplasia with severe dysplasia. Four patients presented recurrence during the follow-up, and this occurred 9, 13, 17 and 24 months after the surgery.

Conclusions

Although intestinal metaplasia can be treated effectively by transurethral resection in most cases, its potential malignancy need to be taken into consideration after the evidence of recurrences and its association with bladder adenocarcinoma. Therefore, it is necessary to perform close surveillance following the surgery, particularly in patients with dysplastic changes.

Unexplained association between cystitis glandularis and interstitial cystitis in females: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

An increasing number of female patients have received comorbid diagnoses of cystitis glandularis (CG) and interstitial cystitis (IC) at our institution. In addition, most of these patients suffer from coexisting obstructive lower urinary tract diseases (OLUTDs). In this study, we aimed to present evidence of the possible association between CG and IC and analyze the clinical features of this association.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 395 female patients diagnosed with CG and/or IC. The patients were divided into three groups: group A (CG only), group B (IC only), and group C (CG+IC). Chi-squared tests were applied to compare the prevalence rates of CG in patients with IC and in the general population, the prevalence rates of IC in patients with CG and in the general population, and the prevalence rates of OLUTD in the three patient groups.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of IC in patients with CG was significantly higher than that in the general population, while the prevalence rate of CG in patients with IC was also significantly higher than that in the general population. For groups A, B, and C, 93 (39.2 %), 30 (44.1 %), and 58 (64.4 %) cases respectively presented with OLUTDs, and the prevalence rate of OLUTDs varied significantly among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study found a possible association between CG and IC, and coexisting OLUTDs influenced this association.

Cystitis glandularis: A controversial premalignant lesion

Cystitis glandularis (CG) has been hypothesized as a potential precursor of adenocarcinoma, although this remains controversial. The present study reports data accumulated from 166 cases of cystitis glandularis with follow-up periods ranging between 0.5 and 17 years. The association between intestinal and typical CG and bladder carcinoma was retrospectively evaluated. The patients included in the present study had presented with typical (n=155) or intestinal (n=11) CG between 1994 and 2010. Of those patients, concurrent carcinoma of the bladder was identified in 15 (9.0%) patients, including two cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 1 case of sarcoma. The cases of carcinoma were identified either prior to or concurrently with the diagnosis of CG. Follow-up was available for 9/11 (81.8%) patients with intestinal CG. Nine months following transurethral fulguration, 8/11 (72.7%) patients were in complete remission and 1/11 (9.1%) complained of urgency and dysuria; two patients were lost to follow-up. The follow-up of the patients ranged from 0.7 to 4.5 years (median, 2.67 years; mean, 2.82 years). No evidence of subsequent carcinoma was identified in any of the patients during the follow-up of the intestinal and typical CG groups. In addition, there was no evidence of carcinoma subsequent to CG in either of the typical or intestinal CG groups. The results did not support that CG increases the future risk of malignancy in the short term and repeated cystoscopies over a short period of time are not recommended.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and B-cell lymphoma-2 expression in cystitis glandularis and primary vesicle adenocarcinoma

Background

Although cystitis glandularis (CG) is a common benign urinary bladder epithelial abnormality, it remains unclear whether CG is a premalignant lesion. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) overexpression has recently been reported as a potential tumor initiator or promoter. We evaluated and compared COX-2 and Bcl-2 expression in CG, chronic cystitis (CC), and primary vesicle adenocarcinoma (ADC) tissues.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to investigate COX-2 and Bcl-2 levels in CG and ADC. We obtained tissue samples from 75 patients (including 11 cases of CC, 30 typical cases of CG (CGTP), 30 cases of intestinal CG (CGIT), and 4 cases of ADC) between 1989 and 2009 from the Surgical Pathology Archives of the No. 2 People’s Hospital of Zhenjiang, affiliated with Jiangsu University. COX-2 and Bcl-2 immunohistochemical staining was performed on all tissues. Nine normal bladder epithelial specimens were evaluated as control samples. Correlations between COX-2 and Bcl-2 expression in CG were also analyzed.

Results

COX-2 and Bcl-2 expression was higher in the ADC group compared to other groups (p < 0.05). COX-2 and Bcl-2 levels were higher in the CGIT group compared to the CGTP group (p = 0.000 for both). The CGIT and CGTP groups both showed higher COX-2 expression compared to the CC group (p = 0.000 for both). There was no difference in Bcl-2 expression between the CGTP and CC groups (p = 0.452). Additionally, the difference in COX-2 and Bcl-2 expression between the control and CC groups was also insignificant (p = 0.668 and p = 0.097, respectively). Finally, we found that COX-2 and Bcl-2 levels were positively related (r = 0.648, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

COX-2 and Bcl-2 overexpression in the CG group suggests that CG, particularly the intestinal type, may be a premalignant lesion that converts into a tumor in the presence of carcinogens.

The role of Cdx2 in Barrett's metaplasia

Metaplasia (or transdifferentiation) is defined as the transformation of one tissue type to another. Clues to the molecular mechanisms that control the development of metaplasia are implied from knowledge of the transcription factors that specify tissue identity during normal embryonic development. Barrett's metaplasia describes the development of a columnar/intestinal phenotype in the squamous oesophageal epithelium and is the major risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. This particular type of cancer has a rapidly rising incidence and a dismal prognosis. The homoeotic transcription factor Cdx2 (Caudal-type homeobox 2) has been implicated as a master switch gene for intestine and therefore for Barrett's metaplasia. Normally, Cdx2 expression is restricted to the epithelium of the small and large intestine. Loss of Cdx2 function, or conditional deletion in the intestine, results in replacement of intestinal cells with a stratified squamous phenotype. In addition, Cdx2 is sufficient to provoke intestinal metaplasia in the stomach. In the present paper, we review the evidence for the role of Cdx2 in the development of Barrett's metaplasia.

A case of asymptomatic cystitis glandularis found incidentally with ultrasonography at a private clinic

A 46-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of a bladder mass. The mass could not be distinguished from a primary bladder tumor or a tumor invading from another organ with computed tomography, magnetic resonance, or cystoscopic examination. Transurethral resection of the mass was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was typical cystitis glandularis. The patient has been followed up with cytologic examination and ultrasonography, and after 10 months there has been no new growth of the mass or malignant change.

A case of florid cystitis glandularis

BACKGROUND

A 32-year-old healthy woman from China was diagnosed with a bladder mass during pelvic ultrasonography, carried out during the work-up of a miscarriage. Cystoscopy by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirmed the presence of a bladder mass, after which she was referred to our department for evaluation and management. The patient was asymptomatic at presentation. She denied urologic symptoms and did not have a history of smoking or industrial exposure to carcinogens.

INVESTIGATIONS

Laboratory test results and urine studies were unremarkable. Cytology revealed benign cells with numerous micro-organisms. Intravenous pyelography revealed a 1 x 2 cm filling defect in the mid posterior bladder compatible with a mass. There were no upper urinary tract defects. We performed cystoscopy with transurethral resection of the bladder tumor.

DIAGNOSIS

Pathology revealed cystitis glandularis.

MANAGEMENT

The patient was followed up with repeat cystoscopy after 4 months; there was no evidence of recurrence. She was scheduled for surveillance after a further 3 months, but was lost to follow-up.

Large Cystitis Glandularis: A Very Rare cause of Severe Obstructive Urinary Symptoms in an Adult

Cystitis glandularis is a very rare proliferative disorder of the mucus-producing glands within the mucosa and submucosa of urinary bladder epithelium. We report such a case of glandular cystitis with intestinal metaplasia masquerading as a bladder tumor in a young male patient who presented with severe obstructive urinary symptoms. Cystoscopy revealed a tumor well circumscribed, measuring 5 x 4 cm on the trigone. Transurethral resection of the mass was carried out and the histopathology suggested cystitis glandularis. The literature regarding this entity has been reviewed and the differential diagnosis was discussed. Short-term follow-up of the patient with sonography and cystoscopy showed no recurrence.

Divergent pathway of intestinal metaplasia and cystitis glandularis of the urinary bladder

Intestinal metaplasia has been proposed to be a precursor lesion of adenocarcinoma in the urinary bladder. CDX2 is a transcription factor that is encoded by a homeotype gene that plays an essential role in the differentiation and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Hepatocyte-specific antigen (Hep) has also been shown to be a useful marker of intestinal metaplasia. Tissues from 46 patients, including 22 cases of intestinal metaplasia of the urinary bladder, 11 cases of typical cystitis glandularis, and 13 cases containing both lesions, were selected and immunohistochemical stains for CDX2, Hep, cytokeratin 20 (CK20), and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) were performed. Nuclear staining for CDX2 was observed in 29 of 35 (83%) cases of intestinal metaplasia of the urinary bladder. In contrast, nuclear staining for CDX2 was not observed in any case of typical cystitis glandularis; however, seven of 24 (29%) cases showed aberrant cytoplasmic expression in a mean of 37% of cells. CK20 was expressed in 28 of 35 (80%) cases of intestinal metaplasia, but was observed in only one of 24 (4%) cases of cystitis glandularis in 15% of cells. CK7 was expressed in only six of 35 (17%) cases of intestinal metaplasia, whereas expression of CK7 was observed in all cases (100%) of typical cystitis glandularis with a mean percentage of positively staining cells of 63%. The mean percentages of positively staining cells in intestinal metaplasia with CDX2, CK20, and CK7 were 55, 49, and 53%, respectively. All examples of both intestinal metaplasia and typical cystitis glandularis were uniformly negative for Hep. In the urinary bladder, intestinal metaplasia and typical cystitis glandularis have sharply contrasting immunoprofiles. Additionally, the absence of Hep staining in intestinal metaplasia of the urinary bladder, despite its morphologic resemblance to normal colonic mucosa and intestinal metaplasia in other organs, may signify the presence of unique metaplastic pathways in the urinary bladder.

The importance of re-evaluation in patients with cystitis glandularis associated with pelvic lipomatosis: A case report

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare, proliferative disease involving an overgrowth of normal fat in the pelvic retroperitoneal space. Cystitis glandularis, cystitis cystica, or cystitis follicularis can be observed in 75% of patients with pelvic lipomatosis. We describe a 58-yr-old man with pelvic lipomatosis in whom adenocarcinoma of the bladder was diagnosed in the second transurethral resection of the bladder 1 month after the first operation. This proliferative disease can cause obstruction of the bladder drainage leading to a proliferative cystitis because of an altered environment rich in protein fluid. Because the association of this proliferative disease with adenocarcinoma of the bladder is frequent, we recommend close follow-up of these patients to detect the associated adenocarcinoma of the bladder.

Lésions bénignes diverses de la vessie et de la voie excréto urinaire

Miscellaneous benign lesions of the bladder are composed of morphologic aspects of the urothelial mucosa. They are epithelial lesions (von Brunn nests, glandularis cystitis, nephrogenic adenoma, polypoid cystitis and epidermoid metaplasia), myofibroblastic proliferations and heterotopias (endometriosis, endocervicosis, endosalpingiosis and ectopic prostatic tissue). Etiology, morphologic aspects and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Clinical investigation on the correlation between lower urinary tract infection and cystitis glandularis

In order to study the association between lower urinary tract infection and cystitis glandularis (CG), 120 cases of CG were diagnosed by cystoscopic biopsy in the suspicious foci of the bladder. Among them, 72 cases were subjected to bacterial counting culture of urine and microscopic examination of urinary sediment, and 60 cases to fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) assay to detect HPV, CMV and HSV DNA in urine samples. In the 72 cases of CG, the positive rate of bacterial counting culture of urine was 15.3% (11/72), and gray zone rate was 18.1% (13/72). 31.9% (23/72) patients were positive in bacterioscopy of urinary sediment. There was statistically significant difference as compared with the control group (P<0.01). Only 4 of 60 urine samples were positive by FQ-PCR in detection of the three viruses mentioned above with the positive rate being 6.67%. Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). It was concluded that the genesis of CG was closely correlated with the chronic lower urinary tract infection, especially caused by Esch coli.

The role of beta-catenin signaling in the malignant potential of cystitis glandularis

PURPOSE

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for malignant transformation in the bladder. The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) is a mediator of such inflammation that induces nuclear localization of the adherens junction component beta-catenin. This mechanism has a key role in the initiation and progression of the premalignant lesion Barrett's metaplasia of the esophagus. Cystitis glandularis is a metaplastic lesion of the bladder urothelium occurring in the presence of chronic inflammation and in up to 13% of asymptomatic bladders. Two subtypes are described (typical and intestinal/colonic) with uncertain malignant potential. Etiologically and histologically cystitis glandularis mimics Barrett's metaplasia. We investigated the roles of beta-catenin and TNFalpha in cystitis glandularis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to demonstrate the expression and localization of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and TNFalpha in 9 sections of typical cystitis glandularis and 4 of intestinal/colonic cystitis glandularis. Appropriate controls were used for all experiments.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry demonstrated normal membranous expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in all cystitis glandularis sections with increased TNFalpha expression. Immunofluorescence showed nuclear localization of beta-catenin in the intestinal/colonic subtype only, which was not observed in typical cystitis glandularis.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of nuclear beta-catenin suggests that intestinal/colonic cystitis glandularis shares the same signaling pathway with the premalignant lesion Barrett's metaplasia of the esophagus and the intestinal/colonic subtype of cystitis glandularis may have the potential to progress to malignancy. This finding has important implications for the management of this lesion.

[Florid glandular cystitis of the intestinal type with mucin extravasation: a lesion simulating a tumor]

A wide spectrum of glandular epitheliales metaplastic changes may be seen in the bladder. Extensive replacement of the urotelium with an epithelium resembling intestinal mucosa is recognised as a premalignant condition. However, the natural history of intestinal metaplasia of the urinary bladder and long-term outcome are unknown. We report a case of glandular cystitis with intestinal metaplasia in a young patient. Cystoscopy revealed a tumour well circumscribed measuring 4 cm on the trigone. Microscopic examination showed numerous glands lined by intestinal type epithelium without atipia, conforming to the appearance of the intestinal variant of cystitis glandularis. This case had prominent foci of basophilic mucin in the stroma. Rounded aggregates of mucin were occasionally surrounded by compressed connective tissue cells, simulating mucinous cyst. This case illustrates the extent to which cystitis glandularis may mimic a neoplasm on gross evaluation and the propensity of mucin extravasation to cause diagnostic difficulty, a finding documented only rarely previously, and we discuss its biologic significance.

Analysis on pathogenesis of 50 cases of bladder proliferative lesions

In order to study the pathogenesis, clinical and pathological characteristics of proliferative lesions of the bladder, 50 cases of proliferative lesions of the bladder from 150 patients with complaints of frequency, urgency, hematuria and dysuria were subjected to cystoscopic biopsy of the suspicious foci in the bladder. In combination with the symptoms, urine and urodynamics, the relationship of proliferative lesions of the bladder to the inflammation and obstruction of the lower urinary tract was analyzed. Of the 50 cases of proliferative bladder lesions, 44 cases (88%) had lower urinary tract infection and 29 (58%) lower urinary tract obstruction. The patients with lower urinary tract obstruction were all complicated with infection. Three cases were associated with transitional cell carcinoma. Malignant cells were detected in 1 case by urinary cytologic examination. Proliferative lesions of the bladder, especially those without other obvious mucosa changes under cystoscopy, are common histological variants of urothelium in the patients with chronic inflammation and obstruction of the lower urinary tract. Chronic inflammation and obstruction of the lower urinary tract might be the causes for proliferative lesions of the bladder. It is suggested that different treatments should be applied according to the scope and histological type of the proliferative lesions.

Differentiation of colonic metaplasia from adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder

Colonic metaplasia and primary bladder adenocarcinoma are relatively uncommon entities that can have similar gross clinical appearances. Examples of colonic metaplasia histologically mimicking cancer have only rarely been reported. We retrospectively analyzed 38 cases of cystitis glandularis (18 cases of colonic metaplasia), 12 cases of adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder (two well-differentiated, WDA), and one in situ adenocarcinoma from the surgical pathology files of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nine patients with colonic metaplasia had widespread lesions. Two showed superficial muscularis propria involvement, mimicking adenocarcinoma; one of these cases had been diagnosed as infiltrating WDA at both an academic center and a community hospital. Dissecting mucin pools were focally seen in four cases of widespread colonic metaplasia, also mimicking cancer. One of the nine cases showed minimal cytological atypia, but no cases showed mitoses or signet ring cells. Distinguishing WDA from colonic metaplasia was the finding in WDA of infiltrative architectural pattern (two of two), extensive muscle invasion (two of two), moderate anaplasia (one of two), mitotic figures (two of two), and extensive mucinous pools (one of two). The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ was based on anaplasia. Clinically, colonic metaplasia may resemble cancer. Histologically, colonic metaplasia may mimic cancer based on extensive involvement of the lamina propria, focal mucinous pools, focal muscularis propria involvement, focal mild cytological atypia, and rare mitoses. Despite overlapping features with colonic metaplasia, the diagnosis of WDA is based on the greater degree and extent of these atypical findings in cancer.

Intestinal metaplasia is not a strong risk factor for bladder cancer: study of 53 cases with long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVES

Intestinal metaplasia often coexists with adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder, suggesting to some investigators that it is premalignant. However, the natural history and long-term outcome of intestinal metaplasia in isolation are unknown. We report 53 cases of intestinal metaplasia of the urinary bladder followed for more than 10 years.

METHODS

We reviewed the Mayo Clinic surgical pathology files between 1926 and 1996 and all patients with exstrophic bladder recorded in the files of the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and Dallas Children's Hospital (Dallas, Texas) between 1953 and 1987, and identified all patients with intestinal metaplasia of the bladder.

RESULTS

A total of 53 cases were identified from both series, and none of the patients developed adenocarcinoma of the bladder. The Mayo Clinic series consisted of 24 patients. Nineteen of the 24 (79.1%) were alive without evidence of cancer (median follow-up 14 years, range 0.9 to 53), and 5 patients died of intercurrent disease (at 0.9, 4, 8, 11, and 53 years after diagnosis) without evidence of bladder cancer. The Dallas Children's Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children series consisted of 29 patients. Twenty-seven of the 29 (93.1%) were alive without evidence of cancer (median follow-up 13 years, range 3 to 23.9). Two patients died of trauma (at 10.9 and 12 years after diagnosis) and at autopsy had no evidence of bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal metaplasia of the urinary bladder is not a strong risk factor for adenocarcinoma or urothelial cancer.

Florid cystitis glandularis of intestinal type with mucin extravasation: a mimic of adenocarcinoma

Six florid examples of cystitis glandularis of intestinal type associated with focal mucin extravasation into the stroma are reported. Several of the cases caused major diagnostic difficulty with regard to their distinction from adenocarcinoma. Five patients had masses that simulated a bladder neoplasm. Patients ranged from 27 to 65 (average 46) years of age and complained of hematuria or irritative symptoms. Four patients were treated only by transurethral resection. One patient underwent partial cystectomy because of an erroneous diagnosis of adenocarcinoma and another total cystectomy because of a neurogenic bladder. Microscopic examination showed numerous glands lined by intestinal type epithelium, conforming to the appearance of the intestinal variant of cystitis glandularis. All cases had at least a minor component of typical cystitis glandularis, and it was prominent in four cases. All six cases had foci of basophilic mucin in the stroma, and this was prominent in four cases. Rounded aggregates of mucin were occasionally surrounded by compressed connective tissue cells, simulating mucinous cysts. In favour of a benign interpretation were the absence of epithelial cells in the extravasated mucin, the lack of atypicality of the cells lining the intestinal type glands in all but one case, a generally orderly distribution of the glands, and their lack of infiltration of the muscularis propria, although they abutted the latter in several cases. Follow-up from 2 to 14 years is available for three of the cases and has been uneventful, the longest follow-up being in the case diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. These cases illustrate the extent to which cystitis glandularis may mimic a neoplasm on gross evaluation and the propensity of mucin extravasation to cause diagnostic difficulty, a finding documented only rarely previously.

Pelvic lipomatosis associated with cystitis glandularis and adenocarcinoma of the bladder

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare condition characterized by an overgrowth of normal fat in the perivesical and perirectal spaces. Cystitis glandularis, cystica or follicularis has been observed in 75% of the patients with pelvic lipomatosis. Although cystitis glandularis is widely regarded as premalignant few reports have documented its transition to adenocarcinoma. We describe a 41-year-old man with pelvic lipomatosis in whom primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder developed 6 years after a histological diagnosis of cystitis cystica and glandularis was established. To our knowledge this is the second case reported of pelvic lipomatosis associated with proliferative cystitis and adenocarcinoma of the bladder, indicating that intestinal metaplasia of the urothelium may be a precursor of malignancy in these patients.

Neodymium:YAG laser treatment of cystitis glandularis

We report a case of severe cystitis glandularis of the entire bladder, which caused a large retrovesical mass and bilateral hydronephrosis. Treatment included whole bladder neodymium:YAG laser therapy, a technique not previously reported for this extent of disease. The etiology, diagnosis, treatment and malignant potential of cystitis glandularis are discussed.

Diffuse cystitis glandularis. Associated with adenocarcinomatous change

Although cystitis glandularis has been considered a premalignant lesion, the instance of cystitis glandularis progression to adenocarcinoma or cystitis glandularis associated with adenocarcinomatous change is rare. This article includes 4 cases of neurogenic bladder with urinary diversion for different periods of time. In the first case with ureterocutaneostomy for twenty-five years diffuse cystitis glandularis with multifocal adneocarcinomatous change developed. The second case with suprapubic cystostomy for twenty-two years had diffuse cystitis glandularis of gastrointestinal type without evidence of malignancy. The other 2 cases with suprapubic cystostomy for merely ten years showed only mild to moderate cystitis glandularis and chronic cystitis with squamous metaplasia, respectively. The extent of cystitis glandularis appeared to correlate with the duration of urinary stasis. Ureterocutaneostomy rendered constant infection of the urinary bladder of the first case because of inadequate drainage. Thus, we assume that the intensity of the infection with a toxic product and virulence of organism may be responsible for the development of adenocarcinoma in this patient. Cystitis glandularis, especially diffuse type, can undergo malignant degeneration under constant irritation, but it is a long-term process.

Pelvic lipomatosis: diagnosis by computerized tomography scan

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare, relatively self-limiting disease characterized by the overgrowth of unencapsulated lipomatous tissue within the pelvis. The diagnosis is suggested, but not substantiated, by the striking roentgenographic changes noted on barium enema and intravenous pyelogram. Previously, pelvic laparotomy with tissue diagnosis was essential for documenting the disease. We report three cases in which computerized tomography was utilized as a safe, noninvasive and accurate method of diagnosis. The role played by partial venous obstruction is discussed in addition to rectal bleeding as a mode of presentation.

Inflammatory processes mimicking bladder tumors in children

Tumor-like proliferative lesions were discovered on cystourethrography and cystoscopy in two children, one with severe bacterial urinary tract infection and the other with painless terminal hematuria. Histologically, these lesions were characterized by inflammatory infiltration and proliferative changes of the bladder epithelium. Appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, resulted in complete disappearance of the bladder lesions in both patients. The development of such lesions is related to the potential for nonneoplastic proliferation and metaplasia of the bladder epithelium and is considered to be the result of irritation associated with infection or other chemical and physical factors. The known malignant potential of such bladder pathology indicates a need for careful, long-term follow-up in such patients, including children.

Malakoplakia of the bladder with recurrent passage of pseudo-tumour fragments over eight years

A case of malakoplakia is reported in a patient who gave a history of repeated passage of portions of pseudo-tumour per urethram over 8 years. A review of the disease process supports the view that it is a benign granuloma associated with E. coli infection.